Agreement for Better Parliament

07/09/10

The ‘Agreement For A Better Parliament’ negotiated between the Coalition, Labor and the Independents will amend Parliamentary Standing Orders to establish a more independent Speaker, limit the power of the executive, increase the ability of Parliament to scrutinize legislation, enhance the role of private member’s business and the committee system and make Question Time more useful and relevant.

The Coalition has long supported parliamentary reform.

In 2009 I wrote to the Government seeking changes to enhance parliamentary procedures. Changes included imposing a time limit on answers in Question Time, enhancing the role of backbenchers and an independent Speaker. The Government ignored these proposals.

These changes will make for a better Parliament and a more relevant role for individual MPs.